Last Friday my annual Veterans Event took place. Veterans and their families from across Bassetlaw came to St Augustine’s School for the only MP’s event of its kind. My original idea was to have an event to thank veterans for their service and to show children the importance of what they have done.

The day has developed over the years and last week was another success. Guests were treated to dance shows, ice cream and a tea – including strawberry jam handpicked and handmade by the schoolchildren. Thank you to the children and staff for making the day such a joy, to the veterans and their guests, and to the sponsorship of the local Councillors which made it possible.

Planning for next year has already started – if you know of a local veteran who did not attend this year but would like an invitation please email me at mannj@parliament.uk or call 01909 506200.

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This week I went to Ranby Prison which has had a number of crises in the past few years, including a shocking number of deaths. Back in 2014 I met with the Chief Inspector of Prisons, the Governor of Ranby Prison and the Prisons Minister at the and repeatedly raised my concerns about the problems with staff morale, prisoners accessing mobile phones and drugs, and safety.

At my visit this week I emphasised the importance of the prisoners working. Prison should of course be a punishment, but if prisoners work whilst they are inside it benefits everyone. Prisoners, staff at the prison and the community benefits from allowing prisoners to do work that fills their time and makes it more likely that they get a job when they leave. I will continue to make this point to the management of the prison as it improves.

Now that Parliament is back I have put forward a number of motions for MPs to support, including one on firefighters. I am calling on MPs to pay tribute to the bravery of the firefighters who tackled the horrific fire at Grenfell Tower and to those who do so every day up and down the country.

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Firefighters have faced a significant cut in living standards over recent years and MPs should support my motion for them to receive the pay and job security that they deserve. Further questions are emerging about the fire and about the safety of hundreds of other buildings, which is an issue I immediately raised locally.

I have called on our Fire Authority to make health and safety their number one priority and guarantee the existing 24-hour cover with no reduction in staffing. Please sign my public petition to support our firefighters and oppose any cutes in night time provision locally by going to my Facebook page www.facebook.com/mann4bassetlaw/ by emailing me on mannj@parliament.uk